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Ibanez SZR520
List: $804
The emergence of the SZR series this 2008 breeds a dichotomized response among the Ibanez fans; it would mean the fantastic SZ series had been effectively discontinued (everybody weeps), it also marks the (slight) return of Ibanez’s Ghostrider model (jump for joy if you’re a fan… well, anyone?).
Yes, you read that right, WEF 2008, the entire SZ series are deleted from Ibanez’s catalogs. To many of us who had experiences with these guitars, it’s a great loss considering the praise-worthy tone & craftsmanship on offer. The manufacturer unleashes the SZR model in lieu of this affliction. Since it sports the ‘SZ’ prefix, the concern here is whether it would be a justified replacement.
Craftsmanship/ features
As you can see here, the new SZR (review model: SZR520) guitar isn’t a wholesome Ghostrider reincarnation; the major difference lies with the offset cutaway design. The current model also features a string-through-body insertion, an additional volume control & dot fretboard markers. Ardent SZ fans do note the shorter scale length on offer; 24.75” as opposed to the 25.1” of the former. You’d wonder why the SZR520, one which is of matching stature to the SZ520, lists for at least $200 lesser than the defunct counterpart- it’s made in China.
But before you attribute the Chinese lack of quality assurance, as propagated by electronics salesman generally, be informed of the top-notch finishing & fitting on offer. There are no visual blemishes to report, even the rosewood fretboard quality in this one far surpasses its other Ibanez siblings in this price bracket; there are no dry spots to document. The SZR520 is simply admirable in this department, especially the binding works.
Rating: 95%
Playability/ tone
If you are new to the Ibanez name & are intrigued by the RG’s shred-tastic neck profile, the SZR series in general, move away from this contribution. The neck feels very much like the average Les Paul make albeit a little flatter in whole. The body depth has more meat to it but the good people at Ibanez have added chamfering at the (set in) neck heel (see pic) to provide player comfort, in addition to the usual ribcage relief. The front’s curved top also pampers right arm placements in addition to the classic aesthetics.
The SZR models under this reviewer’s scrutiny had repulsive default action (some 3mm at the 12th fret bass side- yikes!) to begin with (he had played 3 units thus far, buying the 4th regardless of the action on offer) so his personal guitar was rightfully given a deserving set-up to conjure respectable playability, if not outright enticement. Nevertheless, the guitar plays immaculately even with some buzz-inducing, low, shred-worthy action employed.
Tone-wise, Ibanez has equipped its latest offering with the strongest magnet this side of planet passive- the NeoZ humbuckers sport neodymium magnets. This magnet component is currently used by Jensen in its NEO Series drivers for a more contemporary voicing. Rightfully so, the humbuckers showcase a certain fatness to appease the bottom end mongers out there regardless if you swear by your overdrive or distortion alike. In this light, the cleans tend to break up easily at higher volume levels (especially the bridge unit) but they clean-up well once the guitar’s volume knob is knocked off. The neck pickup is especially sumptuous for jazzy runs but it’s doubtful any jazz cats would pick the SZR as their primary tool.
Under loads of distortion/ overdrive, the SZR delivers a very convincing low-frequency performance without compromising clarity. With this in mind, the neck pickup suffers from a little ill-definition at the upper frets so spicing your tone with added treble via a pedal EQ unit would be necessary if you aren’t a fan of neck wooliness. Is Ibanez missing the mark by making this guitar a distortion cruncher exclusively; a one-trick pony perhaps? Absolutely not; the SZR does real well for blues rock. Proponents of the Brit crunch tone would be pleased with this guitar especially so if they love to control their drive via the volume knob of their guitars.
Feel-wise, there isn’t a particular repulsion to report but the situation at the upper frets would be a little restrictive if one should view it in contrast to the former SZ series; the SZR has a marked bulge beginning at the 17th fret while its discontinued counterpart continues to display a slim profile until the 19th fret. Great feel & tone from this Chinese guitar, definitely.
Tone test equipment:
Clean:
• Marshall JVM (clean channel)
Distortion:
• Marshall JVM OD1/ OD2/ Crunch channels
• Marshall JVM Crunch channel with the following pedal enhancements: Danelectro Cool Cat Distortion/ MXR Distortion +/ Ibanez TS7/ Biyang OD-8
• Sound Drive SG612R
Rating: 90%
Conclusion
Let’s accept this; the SZR isn’t a comprehensive SZ replacement despite duplicating the fundamentals. Albeit the accolades here, it would be largely ignored because of its rather quirky outline, Chinese origin & the presence of Les Pauls (Epiphones are the relevant alternatives in this price bracket) as king of set-neck guitars. However, not everyone would be subservient to the majesty especially when our guitar philosophies differ. The SZR is tops in terms of QC, its feel & tone would be honey to some of us, bile to the rest. All in all, the SZR should be agreeable with fans of quality instruments per se, regardless of the Ibanez tag.
Overall rating: 90%
Product availability: Swee Lee Co
Likes:
• Price (definitely)
• Tone/ feel
• Rosewood (fretboard) quality
• Tuners (very smooth & responsive)
Dislikes:
• Small pickup selector switch (stiff as well)
• Stiff knobs (test model)
• No bags included
Worthy counterparts
• Epiphone: Les Paul Std Plus Top
• Cort: Katana KX1
• Schecter: C1
• Yamaha: AES620
• Rally: GL-300
